AUDI DEBUTS FULL SIZE Q9 SUV FAMILY

Summary:

• Audi expands its SUV lineup with the full size Q9 and performance SQ9 models featuring three seating rows.
• The SQ9 features a 4.0 liter twin turbo V8 engine producing 591 horsepower and 590 pound feet of torque.
• Exterior options include digital micro LED headlights, curved OLED tail lamps, and floor projecting turn indicators.

Audi expansion into the oversized vehicle market arrives with the premiere of the Q9 and SQ9 models. Designed around North American scale preferences, the flagship chassis stretches 209 inches in total length with a 123.5 inch wheelbase. This massive body design sits higher and wider than previous three row offerings from the brand, prioritizing imposing road presence over subtle urban proportions. You notice clean geometric surfaces along the side panels, paired with a raised shoulder line and vertical front grille elements on standard trims.

Under the hood of the performance oriented SQ9, engineers installed a 4.0 liter twin turbo V8 engine. The powertrain develops 591 horsepower and 590 pound feet of torque through an eight speed Tiptronic transmission. You reach 60 miles per hour from a standstill in 3.8 seconds, matching top figures in the high output three row segment. Mechanical grip relies on a rear biased Quattro all wheel drive system equipped with an electronically controlled locking rear differential. Staggered 23 inch performance tires feature internal acoustic foam inserts to reduce cabin road noise during highway cruising. For daily driving needs, the base Q9 model utilizes a 2.9 liter V6 engine producing 429 horsepower and 442 pound feet of torque.

Lighting tech forms a core structural component of the vehicle exterior aesthetic. Micro LED arrays within the Digital Matrix headlights selectively disable specific beam zones, preventing direct glare for approaching drivers on dark roads. Along the rear fascia, flexible 0.1 millimeter glass houses curved digital OLED light panels containing 512 individual light segments. During night operation, advanced turn signals project illuminated direction arrows directly onto the asphalt surface beside the vehicle. This floor projection alerts nearby cyclists and drivers before you begin your lane change.

Inside the cabin, you select between a standard seven seat arrangement or a six seat layout with second row captain chairs. Second row passengers gain individual electric seat adjustments and removable armrests for quick walk through access to the third row. Up front, a dedicated 12.3 inch display screen sits directly ahead of the front passenger alongside the main 14.5 inch central touchscreen interface. Five zone automatic climate control allows custom temperature settings across all three seating rows.

Global orders open in late July 2026, with initial deliveries starting in the fourth quarter of 2026. Entry prices start around €81,000 for the base Q9 V6, while the European diesel Q9 TDI opens at €108,400. The performance SQ9 V8 model starts around €109,000.